Independent School Teacher Conduct and Competence Standards

Educators value and care for all students and act in their best interests.
Educators are responsible for fostering the social, emotional, intellectual, and
vocational development of students. Educators are responsible for the emotional
and physical safety of students. Educators treat students with respect and dignity.
Educators respect the diversity in their classrooms, schools and communities. Educators
have a privileged position of power and trust. They respect confidentiality unless
disclosure is required by law. Educators do not abuse or exploit students or minors
for personal, sexual, ideological, material or other advantage.

Educators are role models who act ethically and honestly.
Educators act with integrity, maintaining the dignity and credibility of the profession.
They understand that an individual educator's conduct contributes to the perception
of the profession as a whole. Educators are accountable for their conduct while
on duty, as well as off duty, where that conduct has an effect on the education
system. Educators have an understanding of the diversity within the education system
in BC and the law as it relates to their duties.

Educators understand and apply knowledge of student growth and development.
Educators are knowledgeable about how children develop as learners and as social
beings, and demonstrate an understanding of individual learning differences and
special needs. This knowledge is used to assist educators in making decisions about
curriculum, instruction, assessment and classroom management.

Educators value the involvement and support of parents, guardians, families
and communities in schools.
Educators understand, respect and support the role of parents as primary educators
and the role of the community in the education of students. Educators communicate
effectively and in a timely manner with parents and consider their advice on matters
pertaining to their children.

Educators implement effective practices in areas of classroom management, planning, instruction, assessment,
evaluation and reporting.
Educators have the knowledge and skills to facilitate learning for all students
and know when to seek additional support for their practice. Educators thoughtfully
consider all aspects of teaching, from planning through reporting, and understand
the relationships among them. Educators employ a variety of instructional and assessment
strategies.

Educators have broad knowledge bases and understand the subject areas they teach.
Educators understand the curricular, conceptual and methodological foundations of
education and of the subject areas they teach. Educators must be able to communicate
effectively in English or French. Educators teach students to understand relevant
curricula in a Canadian, Aboriginal, and global context. Educators convey the values,
beliefs and knowledge of our democratic society.

Educators engage in career-long learning.
Educators engage in professional development and reflective practice, understanding
that a hallmark of professionalism is the concept of professional growth over time.
Educators develop and refine personal philosophies of education, teaching and learning
that are informed by theory and practice. Educators identify their professional
needs and work to meet those needs individually and collaboratively.

Educators contribute to the profession.
Educators support, mentor or encourage other educators and those preparing to enter
the profession. Educators contribute their expertise to activities offered by their
schools, districts, independent school authorities, professional organizations,
post-secondary institutions or contribute in other ways.

Definitions

Aboriginal: includes all Aboriginal peoples, especially First Nations,
Inuit and Métis

Authority:

a society incorporated under the Society Act, or

a corporation incorporated under the Business Corporations Act or a private Act, or

a person designated, by regulation, as an authority that operates or intends to
operate an independent school

Community: all those in the local area and those served by the
independent school

Competence: having the knowledge and skills to carry out the duties
of an educator

Conduct: the actions or omissions of an educator including such
actions or omissions both within and outside of an educator's professional role

Educator: certified teacher as defined by the Independent School
Act

Minor: a child or youth under the age of 19

Parent (in respect of a student or of a child):

the guardian of the person of the student or child

the person legally entitled to custody of the student or child

the person who usually has the care and control of the student or child

Student: a person enrolled in a K-12 educational program provided
by an independent school authority or a band operating an independent school and
for whom an educator has responsibility.